Demonstrating its commitment to global health solidarity, India dispatched a humanitarian consignment of 3 lakh doses of Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccines along with essential medical supplies to Bolivia, as the South American nation battles a resurgence of measles cases.
The shipment was sent following Bolivia’s declaration of a National Health Emergency due to a growing measles outbreak, with 60 confirmed cases reported so far, according to Xinhua News Agency.
“India dispatched a consignment of 300,000 doses of Measles & Rubella vaccines along with ancillary supplies to support Bolivia in managing the outbreak of the disease. India stands by its friends in the Global South,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a post on social media platform X.
Bolivian President Luis Arce Catacora announced the emergency declaration earlier this week, citing the high risk of the disease spreading and the urgent need for national action. “Our duty is clear: to protect our children and the entire population from a threat that has already raised health alerts across the continent,” he said.
The Bolivian government aims to scale up mass vaccination campaigns and coordinate with local and international bodies to contain the outbreak. Health Minister Maria Renee Castro urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, noting that 500,000 doses have been made available in the country, particularly for children under five. She emphasised the severity of measles, particularly in malnourished children and those with weakened immune systems.
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Officials believe that plummeting vaccination rates, healthcare disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and widespread misinformation have exacerbated the outbreak.
India’s medical assistance arrives at a pivotal time and reflects its broader commitment to South-South cooperation. On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Arce to review bilateral ties. Both leaders discussed enhanced cooperation in critical minerals, health and pharmaceuticals, traditional medicine, and capacity building, among other areas.
